If you’re looking to exercise with your dog in the winter, skijoring is the way to go. But you will need some equipment to get started. Today, let’s keep our focus on the first gear you must have; skis. Without the right pair in your feet, you won’t go very far.
For skijoring with your dog, cross-country skis are the best options. Even with that information, it can be hard to choose the right pair for your needs with all the different types and designs available. Well, I’m here to help you understand what you should be looking for in skijoring skis.
There are many technical specs to consider in cross-country (xc) skis. If you’re new to joring sports too, it’s normal not to know what’s suitable for this activity.
Not a long time ago, I was in the same situation. After a lot of research, I’m now ready to help you find the perfect ski for skijoring with your dog.
If you’re in a hurry, here are 3 cross-country skis that are well-suited for skijoring!
Skis: | Rossignol Evo Glade | Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate | Salomon Equipe 8 |
| Image: |  |   |    |
Price Range: | $$ | $$$$ | $$$ |
Best For: | Beginners | Performance & Skating | Classic Skiing & Groomed Trails |
What Makes Good Skis For Skijoring With Your Dog?
For skijoring, you need something fast, stable, easy to control. It’s good to know, but what type of skis offers such an experience? Well, let’s start by understanding why some options aren’t appropriate for this sport.
Downhill skis aren’t suitable for three reasons. First, they are only appropriate to be used downhill, not on flat terrains. Then, you can’t kick and glide with this type of ski.
Finally, the sharp metal edges could seriously hurt your dog if you fall or don’t have a lot of control over where you go. So it’s not safe, especially if you’re just getting started.
It’s essential to understand that skijoring is a team sport. You should always help your dog on trails to move forward.
That’s why cross-country skis are what you need to get started with this activity. But it’s not as simple because there are many options to choose from in this category of skis.
Know The Different Types Of Cross-Country Skis!
There are three main designs of cross-country skis: the classic, back-country, and skate ones. Each type has pros and cons, but they can all be suitable for skijoring with your dog. Here’s more information to help you understand what option is the best for your needs!
Classic Cross-Country Skis.
It’s the most common type of cross-country skis on the market. Versatile, affordable, and stable, they are the ideal choice for beginners.
The classic cross-country skis allow you to learn how to kick and glide easily. It’s also important to note that they come either with a wax or a waxless base.
Waxless skis aren’t the best for skijoring. The fish scales that help to grip on the snow for better push can accumulate ice/snow and slow you down on trails.
Even if their name is misleading, they still need to be waxed for them to glide better. On the other hand, waxable classic cross-country skis are great for beginners.
They are an excellent solution to get into skijoring without breaking the bank. Relatively long, easy to control, and multi-functional, it’s the perfect balance between performance and versatility.
The main advantage is that you can use them to kick and glide as well as to skate. If you’re just getting started, it’s convenient to try both methods and see which one is the best for you.
My only concern with the classic ski technique is that it won’t help your dog move forward as much as if you were skating. That’s why it would be a bad idea to have a pair suitable for both methods.
Pros.
- Versatile.
- Cheap.
- Beginner-Friendly.
Cons.
- Not Ideal For Professional Athletes.
- Classic Kick & Glide Technique Is Inefficient.
Bottom Line: Recommended For Beginners!
Back-Country XC Skis.
Made for adventurous people, this type of ski is designed to go where there’s no trail. The base is generally shorter, wider, and a little bit heavier to be suitable for exploring the great outdoors off the tracks.
In general, it’s not the best type of skis to skijor with your dog. They might be stable, easy maneuvrable, and performant in powder/deep snow, but skijoring is more appropriate for groomed trails.
You can use them on groomed trails if they aren’t too narrow, but performance won’t be as good as it would be with classic skis. Back-country skis might also have metal edges, which isn’t safe for your dog.
Their design isn’t ideal for skating either, so it might be hard to help your dog moving forward. Off-track skis tend to slow too, which isn’t great for racing sports.
Overall, I don’t recommend this type of ski for skijoring. But if you plan to go off-track with your dog or there are no groomed trails near your location, you might consider back-country skis.
Pros.
- Stable.
- Performant In Powder & Deep Snow.
Cons.
- Not Ideal For Speed & Skate Skiing.
- Metal Edges Aren’t Safe For Your Dog.
Bottom Line: Not Recommended For Skijoring.
Skate Cross-Country Skis.
The last style of skiing is the most suitable option for skijoring. Skate skis will allow you to take more speed and prevent your dog from hurting himself or getting tired quickly by doing all the hard work.
They are generally shorter and narrower than classic skis, and the base only has one glide zone from tip to tail. Each ski has to glide forward diagonally, similar to what you do for ice skating.
It’s an advanced cross-country ski technique that’s not easy to learn. But with some practice, you will be able to go fast on trails without too much effort.
Overall, it’s the most appropriate and performant type of skis for skijoring. However, skate skis have one huge drawback: They are not beginner-friendly.
Without any cross-country skiing experience, it might take a lot of time before you master the technique. As their design is specific for skating, they aren’t suitable for classic skiing.
That’s why it’s not always the best idea to get skate skis if you’re just getting started. An alternative would be to invest in relatively short standard skis you can use for both methods.
If many people struggle to learn skate skiing, imagine how difficult it will be to use this technique for skijoring. It’s the main reason why I wouldn’t recommend this type of ski for beginners. Otherwise, you will have to practice much longer before you can head on trails with your dog.
Pros.
- Optimal Speed.
- Best Technique For Skijoring.
Cons.
- Big Learning Curve.
- Not Performant For Classic Skiing.
Bottom Line: Highly Recommended For Intermediate & Advanced Skiers.
So, What Kind Of Skis Should You Use For Skijoring?
In general, skate cross-country skis are more appropriate to skijor with your dog. But depending on your level of experience and if you plan to go off-track, classic (waxable) or back-country skis might be worth considering.
Therefore, your needs and conditions will help you choose the right skiing equipment.
Best For Skijoring: Skate Cross-Country Skis.
Best For Beginners: Classic Waxable Cross-Country Skis.
Best For Deep & Powder Snow: Back-Country Cross-Country Skis.
Best Cross-Country Skis For Dog Skijoring!
Now that you have a better idea of what type of skis, you should look at my recommendations. They might help you narrow down your options.
With all the brands that make skiing gear, it’s not easy to find the best products if you’re new to this sport. Thus, here are my top picks for skijoring with your dog!
Best Skis Skijoring For Beginners→
Rossignol Evo Glade Touring Skis
Quality: ****
Glide/Speed: ****
Stability & Control: *****
Grip: *****
Price Range: $$
Ability Level: Beginner To Intermediate.
Ski Design: Classic XC Skis.
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
User-friendly, the Rossignol Evo Glade Touring Skis offer a simple design without sacrificing performance. They are ideal for you to learn the classic “kick and glide” skiing technique. But they are also short and wide enough to be used for skating.
So it’s the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability. The construction of these touring skis makes them excellent skis for groomed trails as well as off-track adventures.
Overall, I highly recommend this option to anyone who’s getting started with skijoring!
Best Cross-Country Skis For:
- Versatile Design.
- Beginners To Skijoring.
- Great Value For The Price
Pros.
- All-Around Design.
- Inexpensive Skijoring Skis.
- Simple & Easy To Use.
- Optimal Stability & Maneuverability.
- Good Blend Of Kick & Glide In All Snow Conditions.
- Light & Durable Construction.
Cons.
- Not The Best Quality.
- Waxless Base, Which Can Slow You Down.
Best Overall Skijoring Cross-Country Skis →
Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate
Quality: *****
Glide/Speed: *****
Stability & Control: *****
Grip: *****
Price Range: $$$$
Ability Level: Intermediate To Expert.
Ski Design: Skate XC Skis.
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
The Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate Skis are ideal for racing. They are suitable for any snow condition to offer you the best experience on trails. If you’re looking to improve your skijoring performance, this is the perfect option for you.
It’s designed for optimal acceleration during the kick and stability during the glide. These skate skis are perfect for intermediate to advanced skijoring athletes that want to step up their game. My only concern is the price, but it’s still reasonable for such high-quality equipment.
Best Cross-Country Skis For:
- Overall Performance.
- Skating Technique.
- Competitive Skijoring.
Pros.
- Excellent Stability & Transmission.
- Lightweight Design.
- Optimal Acceleration.
- Made From High-Quality Material.
- Perform Well In Every Condition.
Cons.
- Expensive.
- Not Beginner-Friendly.
Best Classic Waxable Skis For Skijoring With Your Dog →
Salomon Equipe 8
Quality: *****
Glide/Speed: *****
Stability & Control: *****
Grip: ****
Price Range: $$$
Ability Level: Beginner To Expert.
Ski Design: Classic Waxable XC Skis.
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
The Salomon Equipe 8 Classic Skis have a design that will improve your experience on trails. With their light structure and performant glide, it’s the perfect choice for skijoring.
They provide speed, reactivity, and maneuverability regardless of the snow conditions. Intermediate and advanced skiers will love to go fast with these classic skis.
But they are still appropriate for beginners that want to learn with high-quality equipment. Therefore, it’s an excellent option to keep up with your dog using the classic skiing technique.
Best Cross-Country Skis For:
- Optimal Performance On Groomed Trails.
- Classic Skiing Technique.
- Speed & Stability.
Pros.
- Offer An Easy, But Powerful Kick.
- Best Bang For Your Buck.
- Lightweight Design.
- Excellent Glide To Go Fast.
Cons.
- Not Ideal For Skate Skiing.
Best Back-Country Skis For Skijoring →
Rossignol EVO OT Positrack Skis
Quality: ****
Glide/Speed: ****
Stability & Control: *****
Grip: ****
Price Range: $$
Ability Level: Intermediate To Expert.
Ski Design: Back-Country/Off-Trail XC Skis.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Even if back-country skis aren’t the best for skijoring, you might still want to go on off-trail adventures with your dog. In this case, the Rossignol Evo OT Positrack Skis might be what you are looking for.
Their wide dimensions and partial metal edges make them remarkably versatile. You will be able to use them off the tracks as well as on groomed trails.
Therefore, they are excellent all-around skis for skijoring wherever you want. It’s the perfect option to provide adventurous touring skiers with optimal freedom and control.
Best Cross-Country Skis For:
- Versatility. (On & Off-Track Skiing)
- Optimal Control & Stability.
- Excellent Grip & Glide.
Pros.
- Multi-Functional Design.
- Partial Metal Edges For Better Control.
- Made From Lightweight & Durable Wood.
- Great Value For The Price.
Cons.
- Not The Best Option For Skijoring.
Best Budget-Friendly Starter Kit →
Whitewoods XC Ski Package
Quality: ***
Glide/Speed: ***
Stability & Control: ****
Grip: *****
Price Range: $$
Ability Level: Beginner.
Ski Design: Classic Cross-Country Skis.
Overall Rating: 4.2
If you’re looking for a complete package to start skijoring with your dog on a budget, this is an excellent option to consider. The Whitewoods Skiing Starter Kit includes the skis, poles, boots, and bindings.
All the components aren’t the best on the market, but they can do the job for beginners. It’s an excellent solution to learn the basics of cross-country skiing without breaking the bank.
For intermediate to advanced athletes, you should avoid this package because the skis don’t glide very well, and the boots are slightly too large. With that said, it’s a great deal to get into skijoring.
Best Cross-Country Skis For:
- An Affordable Alternative.
- Beginners.
- Complete Skiing Package.
Pros.
- Good Value For The Money.
- Include Skis, Boots, Poles & Bindings.
- Functional Skiing Equipment.
Cons.
- Don’t Glide Well.
- Boots Are Too Wide.
- Not The Best Designed For Skate Skiing.
How To Choose The Right Skis For Skijoring?
With all the products out there, it’s not easy to find the perfect one for your needs. My recommendations can narrow down your options, but you still have the make your choice. Thus, here are some factors to consider for choosing the right skijoring skis.
Your Skiing Experience.
Beginners won’t need the same type of equipment as experts. If you’re just getting started, stability, control, and versatility are generally the main elements to look for in skis. On the other hand, an advanced skier might prioritize quality and performance over anything else.
Best For Beginners → Rossignol Evo Glade Touring Skis
Best For Intermediates → Salomon Equipe 8 XC Skis
Best For Experts → Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate Skis
Where Do You Plan To Skijor?
Another essential consideration is the trails on which you will skijor with your dog. If someone grooms them regularly, you can choose skis that do best for this type of environment.
But there might be no pet-friendly skiing tracks in your area, so you will have to find an ungroomed spot or even go off-trail.
Best For Groomed Trails → Salomon Equipe 8 XC Skis or Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate Skis
Best For Ungroomed Trails → Rossignol Evo Glade Touring Skis
Best For Off-Track Adventures → Rossignol EVO OT Positrack Skis
Other Preferences.
There are probably other elements that are important for you. Whether it’s the price, technical aspects, or color, feel free to take it into account. However, don’t choose skis that aren’t suitable for your needs only because they look better or are cheaper.
Best Budget-Friendly Options → Whitewoods XC Ski Package
Best Bang For Your Buck → Rossignol Evo Glade Touring Skis
Best Option If Money Isn’t A Concern → Salomon Equipe 8 XC Skis or Salomon S/Lab Carbon Skate Skis
What Other Gear Do You Need To Skijor With Your Dog?
The skis aren’t the only pieces of equipment you must have to head on trails safely. You also need to get other skiing and joring gear before getting started. So here’s a list of the skijoring essentials.
Skijoring Equipment.
- Skis.
- Poles.
- Boots.
- Bindings.
- Warm Clothing.
- Joring Harness.
- Tow-Line.
- Hip Belt.
The Boots, Bindings & Poles Are Important To Consider!
For the rest of your skiing equipment, you should also understand what’s best for skijoring. Once you have selected your skis, the second step is to find comfortable boots. Then, you should invest in the bindings that go with them.
If you’re a beginner, the binding type doesn’t really matter. Instead, my advice is to focus on choosing boots that you like because they will make your skijoring adventures much more enjoyable. The binding is a just commodity.
For the poles, it will depend on your build (height/weight) as well as the technique you’re using. Without the right ones, you won’t be able to help your dog move forward efficiently. Thus, here are some guidelines to help you out.
According to this article on MushLarose.ca, the ideal pole length for skijoring is around 90% of your height. If you only plan to use the classic skiing technique or go off-trails, you should opt for smaller poles.
But anywhere between 80% and 90% of your height is a good rule of thumb to choose the right size. If you want more advice for choosing skiing equipment, I highly recommend visiting the closest cross-country ski shop.
The employees should be able to give you personalized advice for your situation. You might also find quality gear for skijoring there!
What About Joring Gear?
Apart from skis, poles, boots, and bindings, you will also need something to connect you and your dog. Otherwise, he won’t be able to pull you on trails. That’s where an appropriate harness, line, and belt come into play.
For this equipment, you should put your dog’s satisfaction and safety first. Investing in joring gear that’s comfortable, secure, and fits well is essential before heading out on skiing trails. Here are my favorite options to help you get started.
Harness → Neewa Adjustable Harness
Tow-Line → Skijoring Bungee Dog Line
Hip Belt → Neewa Joring Belt
Once you have the essentials, you can start looking for optional gear that will make your skijoring adventures more fun and safe for everyone.
For example, investing in paw protection gear such as the Ruffwear Grip Trex Boots or the Musher’s Secret Wax can prevent your dog from getting hurt while running in the snow.
There are many other accessories you should consider. From the sox to hat passing by gloves and goggles, proper clothing is essential to keep you warm.
If your dog has a short coat, investing in a winter jacket such as the Ruffwear Quinzee Insulated might not be a bad idea.
Skijoring Tips For Beginners!
As you have seen in this article, it isn’t easy to get into skijoring. Even with all the information I’ve shared with you today, you may encounter problems on your way. Before letting you go, here are some of my best pieces of advice to help you avoid beginner mistakes.
- Improve Your Cross-Country Skiing Skills First.
- Prepare Your Dog For Skijoring. (Training & Commands)
- Take One Step At A Time.
- Start Out Slow.
- Have Fun.
Last Thoughts About The Best Skis For Skijoring!
Finally, there are many things to consider in cross-country skis. From the different types available to the best options on the market, I hope my article helps you understand what you should be looking for in this type of equipment. You are now ready to invest in the perfect skijoring skis for your needs.
Nonetheless, choosing the right gear is only one step in the process. To get started, you still have a lot of work to do. For more information, I’ve another article on everything you need to know about skijoring with dogs!
See You On Trails!